Epicatechin is one of dozens of flavonoids found in dark chocolate. Epicatechin has been demonstrated in animals and humans to increase the production of new mitochondria in heart and muscle (termed “mitochondrial biogenesis”) while concurrently stimulating the regeneration of muscle tissue. The progression of muscle weakness in Duchenne is associated with a loss of mitochondria, which power the skeletal muscle. It is thought that Epicatechin may act as a mimic of a newly discovered human hormone released by normal muscles after exercise that may be responsible for mitochondria biogenesis and stronger muscle fibers that occur normally after exercise training.
A Phase 1 study for patients with Becker muscular dystrophy is active but no longer recruiting.
This program is sponsored by Epirium Bio and has been partially funded by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
ONGOING | Safety and Biomarker Response to (+)-Epicatechin in Becker Muscular Dystrophy |
JULY 2020 | Epirium Bio Presents at the PPMD 2020 Virtual Annual ConferencePre-recorded content for PPMD's 2020 Virtual Annual Conference On-Demand Library |
DECEMBER 2015 | Webinar: Understanding the Potential of EpicatechinOn December 16, 2015, PPMD Founding President and CEO, Pat Furlong interviewed Dr. George Schreiner, President and CSO of Cardero Therapeutics, Inc. to discuss the potential benefits of epicatechin to people with Duchenne. It was a fascinating conversation about an all-natural therapy that could benefit the entire Duchenne population, regardless of age or gene mutation. |
JUNE 2015 | Cardero Presents at the PPMD 2015 Annual Conference |
